Step by Step - Cardio Exercises for Home Workouts

Plyo-jacks, or plyometric jumping jacks, are another option for getting the heart rate up and challenging the body in a whole new way. Plyo-jacks are like very slow jumping jacks. You jump out, just as you would in a jumping jack, but slow things down and add a deep squat. When you jump your feet back together, you land in another deep squat to challenge your hips, glutes thighs and, of course, your heart rate.

1. Begin with feet together and lower into a squat, bringing the arms in front of you.
2. Jump the feet out, landing in a squat and circling the arms up and over the head.
3. Jump up once again, bringing the feet together and circling the arms back down.
4. Add this move at the end of your regular cardio workout for an added boost, or do it a few times during your workout whenever you want to add intensity or mix things up.